What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hunted Duet #1
The Hunter King
He’s my twisted nightmare. And my most depraved fantasy.
He was sent to kill me on my twentieth birthday.
Instead, the beautiful monster with the lethal blue eyes takes me.
Kidnapped to the woods, the hauntingly gorgeous man shrouded in mystery, scars, and savagery doesn’t want my blood.
He doesn’t want a ransom from the powerful Bratva family I’m the only heir to.
He only wants me to run.
And he wants to chase.
Dark woods. Dark games. Dark desires.
But the deeper I sink into our sinful fantasies, the more I realize, my domineering captor isn’t playing games at all.
He’s playing for keeps.
And I’m the prize.
The Hunter King is a dark Bratva book. Readers are advised to read the TW inside. This is book one in a two-part duet. The completed duet includes a HEA.
He was sent to kill me on my twentieth birthday.
Instead, the beautiful monster with the lethal blue eyes takes me.
Kidnapped to the woods, the hauntingly gorgeous man shrouded in mystery, scars, and savagery doesn’t want my blood.
He doesn’t want a ransom from the powerful Bratva family I’m the only heir to.
He only wants me to run.
And he wants to chase.
Dark woods. Dark games. Dark desires.
But the deeper I sink into our sinful fantasies, the more I realize, my domineering captor isn’t playing games at all.
He’s playing for keeps.
And I’m the prize.
The Hunter King is a dark Bratva book. Readers are advised to read the TW inside. This is book one in a two-part duet. The completed duet includes a HEA.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2023
1242 people are currently reading
2368 people want to read
About the author
Jagger Cole
74 books5,440 followersA reader first and foremost, Jagger Cole cut his romance writing teeth penning various fan-fiction stories years ago. After deciding to hang up his writing boots, Jagger worked in advertising pretending to be Don Draper. It worked enough to convince a woman way out of his league to marry him, though, which is a total win.
Now, Dad to two little princesses and King to a Queen, Jagger is thrilled to be back at the keyboard.
When not writing or reading romance books, he can be found woodworking, enjoying good whiskey, and grilling outside—rain or shine.
You can find all of his books at www.jaggercolewrites.com
Grab a FREE book for joining my fans-only newsletter! -> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8rld1ik3sd
Now, Dad to two little princesses and King to a Queen, Jagger is thrilled to be back at the keyboard.
When not writing or reading romance books, he can be found woodworking, enjoying good whiskey, and grilling outside—rain or shine.
You can find all of his books at www.jaggercolewrites.com
Grab a FREE book for joining my fans-only newsletter! -> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8rld1ik3sd
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
November 2, 2022
Ummm Jagger Cole just took Primal Play to a whole new level. I am soooo obsessed with this series and can not devour it fast enough. Y'ALL!! Do not sleep on this book! Dark Bratva mafia, with a dangerous assassin who will not stop until he finds his prey!!! This story was phenomenal!!! And the secrets and mind games?! RUN to the sequel RFN! (Pun intended! Lol) 5 stars! ~Ratula
October 8, 2022
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4.5 / 5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : Yes
Hero : Kristoff
Heroine : Titiana
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 8/10
Triggers Involved : CNC. , Kidnapping , betrayal
Plot Summary :
Life has never been easy for Tatiana. But it all goes to hell when she gets the biggest present on her birthday..or should she say the worst one. Someone has sent a man to kill her. And not only that , the same man does not kill her but takes her instead. And nothing about her captor is easy. He is the most mesmerizing man she has ever seen. But he has rules. Rules she has to follow to get out of this game alive. And when she breaks those rules? Things are going to get rough for her.
Because Kristoff likes to hunt his prey. Whether she likes it or not. And once he has caught her , nothing will ever be the same again.
Overall Opinion :
OMG.
I have been waiting for this duet by my favourite author for such a long time! Jagger Cole and the kink CNC?! That is like a dark romance heaven for me. I love this authors' books so much no matter what genre they pick but this genre is literally my favourite one in the world of dark romance books. And omg z the author totally did not disappoint.
The story starts off with Tiatiana living with her parents and having a thought time with her stepmom. And then things go to hell when she encounters a man on her birthday who is apparently sent to kill her but for some reason takes her captive instead. Him sparing her life was not a nice gesture at all. He did it because there are some things for which he wants answers from her. Hell will freeze over before she bends over for her captor like that. If only she knew about what he liked. How much he likes to hunt. How much he liesk the chase. And the most horrific secret of all.. how much she likes being his prey.
Tiatiana and Kristoff have a story that will rip you apart at the seams. It's the best duet by this author. I mean he seriously keeps on getting better and better all the time! This the first part of a duet but both the books of the duet released on the same day so you all are safe from cliffhangers!
Definitely recommending this one to all the dark romance loving people out there. This one has a lot of triggers like kidnapping , CNC , dub con and kill scenes . Keep that in mind before picking it up.
Website | Bookstagram | Facebook Page | Newsletter
September 17, 2022
I couldn’t out this duet down. Literally had my phone out in drive thru’s, school pick up lines, and even when waking up at 2am. If only to get a few more pages in before falling back asleep. I loved seeing old characters making appearances and things clicking into place when it came to some of those names from past stories. There is no doubt about it, this duet will have you thinking and thinking until nothing makes sense anymore. Lie and truths will blur together until you can’t trust anyone at all.
The romance? Mind-blowingly dirty and dark and utterly consuming. Everything between them is all about the chase. The hunter and the hunted. Cole was seriously unlocking kinks I never knew I needed.
The plot? Ho-ly hell. My mind is a broken. My heart is shredded. And that’s even after Cole giving us a happily ever after. I have a feeling it’s going to a couple days to recoup.
The Hunted Duet was just an all around amazing, page turner of a sexy read. One that chases you into a delicious darkness and holds you captive. 5 Stars!!
The romance? Mind-blowingly dirty and dark and utterly consuming. Everything between them is all about the chase. The hunter and the hunted. Cole was seriously unlocking kinks I never knew I needed.
The plot? Ho-ly hell. My mind is a broken. My heart is shredded. And that’s even after Cole giving us a happily ever after. I have a feeling it’s going to a couple days to recoup.
The Hunted Duet was just an all around amazing, page turner of a sexy read. One that chases you into a delicious darkness and holds you captive. 5 Stars!!
dnf-nope
November 16, 2022Don't care , end of this book they are apart for 2 years , and the next 5 years... so F* NO !.
September 22, 2025
4 solid stars!
January 1, 2023
My goodness! My first book to finish in the new year, and it was an exciting one! Twist and turns , chaos, lies, and a passionate all consuming love! Fantastic read!
September 22, 2022
🤯🤯 Mind Blown
What did I just read!?! The DARK version of Snow White🥵😮
I would have given this 5 stars…but the middle started dragging…and here come the overuse of ‘eye rolls’ and For the Love of Anything - Jagger Cole! Pay. For. A. Proofreader. Or. Decent. Editor.
One letter changes everything from Porsche to Porche.
But hey, other than that…🤯🤯
WOW first of all 🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥
Second. Jagger can write the plot twists and a doozy of a cliffhanger! Holy heck!
Oh, and did I mention 🔥
This book is NOT for the prudish and does have triggers.
Now excuse me y’all - I must go devour The Hunted Queen, STAT!
What did I just read!?! The DARK version of Snow White🥵😮
I would have given this 5 stars…but the middle started dragging…and here come the overuse of ‘eye rolls’ and For the Love of Anything - Jagger Cole! Pay. For. A. Proofreader. Or. Decent. Editor.
One letter changes everything from Porsche to Porche.
But hey, other than that…🤯🤯
WOW first of all 🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥
Second. Jagger can write the plot twists and a doozy of a cliffhanger! Holy heck!
Oh, and did I mention 🔥
This book is NOT for the prudish and does have triggers.
Now excuse me y’all - I must go devour The Hunted Queen, STAT!
Read
January 18, 2025DNF 53%
October 6, 2022
3.5 stars Miscommunication Plot Device
So, I wanted to rate this higher because I loved the storyline, the primal play, and Kristoff was just swoon worthy.
But:
*There were many grammatical errors including missed words or the wrong words
* I have to believe the plot. I really dislike miscommunication tropes. Supposedly the best trained students get taken for a ride and used as pawns? We’re lead to believe Kris is smarter than the deception he falls for.
* Kris knows something is up with the summer camp yet does dig? Huh?
* Instead of saying “yes”, how about “ I didn’t know it was your father”
* The supposedly top female student is manipulated by the lesser student twice in a row, by lies both times. Sigh.
* Time jumps, some people are ok with them, I’m personally not a fan.
I’ll read the next book but I know there’s a 5 year time jump when she’s with another guy which automatically puts me off, so we’ll see. This is more of a story I am skimming to the good parts (Kristoff) and trying to keep from being frustrated since I want to know how it all plays out.
So, I wanted to rate this higher because I loved the storyline, the primal play, and Kristoff was just swoon worthy.
But:
*There were many grammatical errors including missed words or the wrong words
* I have to believe the plot. I really dislike miscommunication tropes. Supposedly the best trained students get taken for a ride and used as pawns? We’re lead to believe Kris is smarter than the deception he falls for.
* Kris knows something is up with the summer camp yet does dig? Huh?
* Instead of saying “yes”, how about “ I didn’t know it was your father”
* The supposedly top female student is manipulated by the lesser student twice in a row, by lies both times. Sigh.
* Time jumps, some people are ok with them, I’m personally not a fan.
I’ll read the next book but I know there’s a 5 year time jump when she’s with another guy which automatically puts me off, so we’ll see. This is more of a story I am skimming to the good parts (Kristoff) and trying to keep from being frustrated since I want to know how it all plays out.
May 13, 2024
It started soooo good but I don’t know I expected WAYYY more🥹😭
dnf
April 30, 2023Dnf at 35%
When I realized this was written by a man I tried to suppress my judgements because I really wanted to like it. My current niche obsession are primal romances and this definitely meets the criteria so I was optimistic. I really enjoyed the opening and (parts) the premise. It quickly became very repetitive and character work that was going on in the beginning ended. 150 pages in and 90% of this is just chasing with quickly dwindling tension. Also something about it was just giving me the ick? I don’t think I’ve ever read the words pelvic mound before and after it happened twice in this I now know I never want to again.
When I realized this was written by a man I tried to suppress my judgements because I really wanted to like it. My current niche obsession are primal romances and this definitely meets the criteria so I was optimistic. I really enjoyed the opening and (parts) the premise. It quickly became very repetitive and character work that was going on in the beginning ended. 150 pages in and 90% of this is just chasing with quickly dwindling tension. Also something about it was just giving me the ick? I don’t think I’ve ever read the words pelvic mound before and after it happened twice in this I now know I never want to again.
Read
November 26, 20243.5 ⭐️
September 7, 2023
This was a 3.5 to 4 star. It started out with the whole I'm secretly dark inside I feel like I need to preprocute by the darkness excuse the heroin uses. I skimmed through many parts of the first half. But by the middle end of the book the characters got really interesting and it picked up. The plot twists in the last few chapters you can see coming a mile away. But I think there's going to be a Twist on top of those.
The age Gap is about 15 years.
The age Gap is about 15 years.
September 15, 2022
WOW!! Omg! Absolutely fantastic! Dark, twisted, suspenseful, sizzling and captivating. Deception and lies throughout I had a hard time believing anything anyone said. Kristoff has been sent to murder Tatiana but he decides to keep her instead. The puzzle pieces are coming together but at least I don’t have to wait for book 2!!
March 14, 2025
Meh. Nothing happens, then everything happens last five pages
October 9, 2022
•.¸( *•.¸💙¸.•*´)¸.•*´🖤`*•..¸(*•.¸💙¸.•*´)¸.•
✨*•🖤... MY 5-⭐ REVIEW...🖤•*✨
.•*(¸.•*´💙`*•.¸)`*•.🖤¸.• *(¸.•* 💙 ´*•.¸)*•.
The Hunter King, Book 1 of The Hunted Duet by Jagger Cole
Review by Judy Robichaud/Dare To Love Romance Reviews
Please note this review is a long one. I had lots to say.
THIS SEXY INTENSE 5-STAR STUNNER OF A READ WAS WORTH EVERY BIT OF BREATH I LOST ALONG THE WAY. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Oh no he didn't! I love a great ride when I read and author Jagger Cole is a dark romance writing god! I'm sending him a HUMONGOUS shout out for penning the high octane thrill ride. He snatched me from my safe boring existence & catapulted me into the atmosphere towards another distant world, crash landing me right square in the middle of Crazytown. A dark and exciting world filled with unimaginable evil, heart thumping suspense, white knuckle intensity, oh so naughty forbidden midnight fantasies and afternoon delights, neverending danger, running…lots and lots of running and mind bending madness. Add to that a growly alpha male hero with some crazy mad dirty talking skills that just might make you blush, an equally smart, strong heroine with mad skills of her own, some seriously incredible panty melting hotness and scorching hot sexytime, and what you get is a highly entertaining and brilliantly written page turner that is The Hunter King, Book 1 of The Hunted Duet. Let me tell you crazy has never looked, felt or read so good!
The Hunter King hits the ground running, right out of the gate. I didn't even have a chance to prepare myself or catch my breath first before being plunged into all the action. The author sure doesn't waste a single spine tingling moment as he lures the unsuspecting reader right in its web like a powerful magnet to metal and never lets you out of its grasp. N.E.V.E.R!!! Constantly pulling the rug from underneath my feet.
You know those cartoons where the dog takes his owner for a walk and the owner is flying through the air holding on to the leash for dear life and you have no control? That is a perfect example of the hold this book had on me. My over-beating heart silently thanking the author every step of the way. I freaking loved that!
Heart stopping, fear inducing, breath stealing excitement all give chase for 20 year old Tatiana Fairist. So, heed my warning, get ready, buckle up nice and tight because you are about to embark on this crazy train bratva romance and become a part of the chase. One woman's running for her life. Will she run out of time?
College student Tatiana is attending Harvard University. But her dreams have come to an abrupt halt when family matters overshadow her dreams and beckon her return home. Now it seems, due to the recent death of her Bratva Don father, Tatiana is next in line to take over the Balagula Bratva Empire. There is a stipulation that she must be married in order for her to take over control. Tatiana is none too happy about the predicament bestowed upon her but there are others who hate it even more.
It's a sad day for Tatiana. It's her 20th birthday and there are no family members left in her life to celebrate with. But believe you me, her birthday starts off with a real bang!
Imagine if you will...
One moment you're going about starting your day, making the most out of a bad situation. Then in a blink of an eye life as you knew it no longer exists. Chaos erupts all around you. Your life now consists of only one thing... Survival. You run. You run as fast as you can. All you can hear as you try to escape the madness is the terrifying sounds of rapid gunfire and the equally horrifying bellowing screams of those left behind.
Then as quickly as it all started, it ends just as abruptly... With a gun to the back of your head. You try to escape and give it all you've got but you are no match for the giant of a man with the most piercing, haunting icy blue eyes. A man who cuffs, blindfolds and stuffs you into the trunk and takes you to an undisclosed location where one moment the giant declares you belong to him now. The next moment he orders you to "run!"
Tatiana is no wallflower. She doesn't go quietly and never gives up. She's tenacious, she is a fighter and man oh man she fights every step of the way. She also doesn't fight like a girl either. It's unexpected and really fun to witness her own strength coming to life. Strength she never really knew she had until it let loose on instinct one day, surprising not just her but the kidnapper as well. I was inspired by the strength of her character. She has some pretty mad abilities. I think she's bad-arse. Does she feel she's bad-arse? You'll have to read the book to find out, to discover all the secrets. You'll enjoy it every step of the way.
I really love Tatiana's character. She's smart, funny and not afraid of a challenge. From the very beginning there has been humor woven into Tatiana's character by way of her inner banter with herself, about her unexpected feelings she has towards Kristoff. She self deprecates her traitorous feeling towards Kristoff and the titillating things he does to/with her. And her one-liners about her questionable sanity had me laughing out loud more times than I could count. It's one of my favorite things about this book. She's very likable and relatable too. She tries to make the best out of every situation.
Her days are long and boring except for the times chasing was involved. She wonders if those chases will resume again. She wears each and every illicit memory from those runs like a second skin. She soaks those moments up like a sex filled sponge and holds them close so she can relive them during her lonely times.
Sometimes your darkest dreams become reality in the true light of day. Parts of your past that can't be remembered, remain a mystery. That is until little bits and pieces of memories that don't make sense resurface. Those fragmented clues play a major role in reliving a past that's long been forgotten. Yet, these mysterious clues are absolutely crucial in defining your future and what that means and all that comes with it. The author kept me on my reader toes for sure. For me, sleuthing is something I love doing while trying to figure things out before I'm meant to find out. For me, it's another form of the "thrill of the chase", if you will.
Who is this man, Kristoff Zima who claims Tatiana is his? He has family ties to the biggest mystery of all: The Ghost Syndicate. A mysterious organization run by the ever elusive & invisible Mikhail Arakas. He’s at the very center, at its very core and make no mistake about it, he's not a man to be messed with. He makes for a great villain along with his psycho niece Jana who is also as lethal as they come. She's borderline psychotic, well passed the point of no return just like her uncle. All the villains want the key to the kingdom, the Balagula Bratva throne, previously held by Peter Fairest, but he's no longer in the picture. Both Mikhail as well as Jana want to take over the Balagula family throne. Each will say and do anything and I mean anything to complete the takeover of the throne that rightfully belongs to Tatiana. The plot thickens to a muddy sludge like consistency to those who want to reign supreme and don't want to wait. This could mean Tatiana has a giant sized target on her back.
There's a moment, this pivotal moment when one person makes certain decisions, consequences be damned. Those decisions and actions change the trajectory of two lives, and when that happens you know there is no going back regardless of how challenging it is and the dangers involved. You play the hand you dealt yourself. Even if it lands you right back into the grasp of the devil himself.
I promise you this... "The thrill of the chase" has a whole new meaning in the pages of The Hunter King.
Kristoff Zima, 35, is a force to be reckoned with. He's a very powerful man who knows what he wants. In his business everyone knows and fears him. He's a hunter on the prowl for his next prey. He has certain "needs" that only one woman can fill. Hunting this woman instead of following his instructions proves to have dangerous repercussions for both him and for his new prey. Turns out, she's a worthy opponent and he's surprised to witness her insatiable need to be hunted and takes full advantage of that. And it is hot. Scorching Hot. Could it be that he has finally met his perfect match in the 20 year old Bratva Printsessa?
When he fails to get "the job" done, life gets very complicated for him and the guest who now secretly resides with him. Their predicament tests them. Can she trust him to keep her safe? Can she be trusted not to escape? What happens when she runs? He runs right after her. Every single time…. That's all I'm saying. No free giveaways in this review. But I will say it's very exciting. I loved the runs, every harrowing one of them.
Kristoff seems to have cast a spell over Titania. He's able to bring all her obscene, dirty & dark desires to the surface. The devil in him takes what he wants while the sinner in her gives it right back. Discovering the secret of escaping left me smiling at that truth. What secret? Now what would be the fun in telling you that? You'll have to find out for yourself.
Kristoff was trained by the crazy power hungry Mikail. As I said before, this guy is out of his mind. He trained Kristoff to be an assassin for the organization. Kristoff was and still remains his #1 student. But when Kristoff had enough he left. He left the organization after an incident involving his sister Nikita. What was the incident with Nikita? It plays a huge role in this story but sorry, my lip spilling the goods/spoilers is a no go.
Feelings between Kristoff and Tatiana grow more intense with each passing day. As does the running, chasing and the danger that lurks around every corner. They can fight the good fight but can they win the war? Can love keep them together and safe from the powers that be? What would happen if the evil doers found out the truth about Tatiana's death? Will it all prove to be too much for them?
I really hated Jana. She is an out of control bloody lunatic. The cruel things she did without batting an eye made my blood boil and the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Mikhail as well as Jada are so evil it was chilling. I swear their pompous righteous attitudes and actions were so cold it froze my bone marrow.
When business calls and sends Kristoff out of town, lies are revealed by a very dangerous enemy close to home. Will Tatiana stay in hiding knowing the enemy knows where she is or will she run, this time for good? After a very disturbing phone conversation, a plan is set in motion. Feelings of betrayal make that decision for her. What will Kristoff do when he finds out she ran? He does what he does best. He hunts. Will he set the record straight and claim her once again if he finds her? Or will the lengthy amount of time they have spent apart be their demise? Is it the final nail in the romance coffin for this unique and troubled couple or will it be the wake up call that they so desperately needed to bring them back to each other? I'm not saying but it's really exciting.
Just when all is quiet. BAM! Remember that rug that was pulled from under my feet that I mentioned in the beginning? The author does it again, landing me back on my rear with me shaking my head in disbelief. The author throws a monkey wrench into their romance once more. And it's good. Really good! It's one of the best monkey wrenches I've read. I'm still trying to make sense of it all long after I finished reading the book. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the Bratva shark infested waters things start to unravel quickly for Tatiana after a very disturbing phone call from a villain wielding threats and issuing an ultimatum. Will she fall in line and return to her home and claim the power left to her so she can be done with it all? What will happen when Kristoff returns?
When the viper rears their demented ugly head again and admissions and shocking confessions are made, this will cost them dearly. Lives could be lost. Love and trust are put to the extreme test. After the viper's smug tongue spills ugliness along with a confession. Sparks and flames of anger will fly. Can Tatiana and Kristoff dodge another bullet when truths are revealed? Who reigns victorious?
Heartbreaking and devastating reality sets in and that realization destroys lives. What happens next? . Dang it, I have no idea. My heart was beating so fast and my heartbeat was ringing in my ears so loudly I couldn't hear myself think or find a rational thought in my head. My jaw dropped and hit the floor and I was left dumbfounded. Now that's what an awesome cliffy is supposed to do.
For me one of the best things about this book is the neverending intense suspense factor. You never know what's coming next. Truths become lies and lies become truth. It's mind bending in every way. There was seldom a time during my reading adventure where I was able to feel calm or peace. I was always being knocked off my feet. Just when I thought I'd caught my breath from all the suspenseful action going on around me by way of words on the pages, the author turns me upside down once more by pulling the rug right out from underneath me. Hmph!!!
I swear, as the book god is my witness, the author was constantly sending me spiraling out of control and tumbling right out of the story and right smack dab in the middle of the chaos that is my brain. Desperate with the feeling of losing my ability to breathe once more as the words continue to fall upon me in my fiction marathon of survival haze. IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT.
There is something truly special and so exciting about having been taken on a great ride when reading any book. That's what keeps you coming back and begging for more. In my humble opinion that's what any reader loves. It's the escape we crave. To feel like we are a part of it all.
We read the words the author writes, and magically your mind takes over and produces the images to go with those words. It's a collaboration of sorts. That's when new worlds come to life. In this case the super exciting suspense kept me engaged along with all the twists and turns among other things and I got lost in the story, forgetting the real world. The Hunter King did that. Author Jagger Cole made it all happen and I couldn't have been more pleased!!
It's all about the journey and book love. I fell in love with every part of this story including of course Tatiana and Kristoff as well as all the additional characters including the villains. What great villains they are. I loved hating them. Normally, I dislike cliffhangers. (Believe me this cliffy was jaw dropping.) But in this case I'll make an exception. Why? Because I'm just not ready to say goodbye and well, I'm a dark romance book adrenaline junkie and just need another fix. It helps knowing book 2, The Hunted Queen is already available and sitting pretty on my ereader waiting patiently for me to turn the very first page.
I'll be wasting no time at all hopping right back into all the action, suspense and madness and continuing on my journey alongside Tatiana and Kristoff as they fight hard every step of the way for their happily ever after. I'm prepared though. I've got my running shoes ready and waiting for another run…
Kudos to Author Jagger Cole for delivering the 5-STAR dark romance goods in The Hunter King. It had everything I love in a super hot and sexy dark romantic suspense and so much more. The Hunted Duet is off to a great start. I highly recommend The Hunter King to all romance/romantic suspense lovers who crave something more than a cookie cutter love story. This sexy intense 5-Star stunner of a read was worth every bit of breath I lost along the way.
✨*•🖤... MY 5-⭐ REVIEW...🖤•*✨
.•*(¸.•*´💙`*•.¸)`*•.🖤¸.• *(¸.•* 💙 ´*•.¸)*•.
The Hunter King, Book 1 of The Hunted Duet by Jagger Cole
Review by Judy Robichaud/Dare To Love Romance Reviews
Please note this review is a long one. I had lots to say.
THIS SEXY INTENSE 5-STAR STUNNER OF A READ WAS WORTH EVERY BIT OF BREATH I LOST ALONG THE WAY. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Oh no he didn't! I love a great ride when I read and author Jagger Cole is a dark romance writing god! I'm sending him a HUMONGOUS shout out for penning the high octane thrill ride. He snatched me from my safe boring existence & catapulted me into the atmosphere towards another distant world, crash landing me right square in the middle of Crazytown. A dark and exciting world filled with unimaginable evil, heart thumping suspense, white knuckle intensity, oh so naughty forbidden midnight fantasies and afternoon delights, neverending danger, running…lots and lots of running and mind bending madness. Add to that a growly alpha male hero with some crazy mad dirty talking skills that just might make you blush, an equally smart, strong heroine with mad skills of her own, some seriously incredible panty melting hotness and scorching hot sexytime, and what you get is a highly entertaining and brilliantly written page turner that is The Hunter King, Book 1 of The Hunted Duet. Let me tell you crazy has never looked, felt or read so good!
The Hunter King hits the ground running, right out of the gate. I didn't even have a chance to prepare myself or catch my breath first before being plunged into all the action. The author sure doesn't waste a single spine tingling moment as he lures the unsuspecting reader right in its web like a powerful magnet to metal and never lets you out of its grasp. N.E.V.E.R!!! Constantly pulling the rug from underneath my feet.
You know those cartoons where the dog takes his owner for a walk and the owner is flying through the air holding on to the leash for dear life and you have no control? That is a perfect example of the hold this book had on me. My over-beating heart silently thanking the author every step of the way. I freaking loved that!
Heart stopping, fear inducing, breath stealing excitement all give chase for 20 year old Tatiana Fairist. So, heed my warning, get ready, buckle up nice and tight because you are about to embark on this crazy train bratva romance and become a part of the chase. One woman's running for her life. Will she run out of time?
College student Tatiana is attending Harvard University. But her dreams have come to an abrupt halt when family matters overshadow her dreams and beckon her return home. Now it seems, due to the recent death of her Bratva Don father, Tatiana is next in line to take over the Balagula Bratva Empire. There is a stipulation that she must be married in order for her to take over control. Tatiana is none too happy about the predicament bestowed upon her but there are others who hate it even more.
It's a sad day for Tatiana. It's her 20th birthday and there are no family members left in her life to celebrate with. But believe you me, her birthday starts off with a real bang!
Imagine if you will...
One moment you're going about starting your day, making the most out of a bad situation. Then in a blink of an eye life as you knew it no longer exists. Chaos erupts all around you. Your life now consists of only one thing... Survival. You run. You run as fast as you can. All you can hear as you try to escape the madness is the terrifying sounds of rapid gunfire and the equally horrifying bellowing screams of those left behind.
Then as quickly as it all started, it ends just as abruptly... With a gun to the back of your head. You try to escape and give it all you've got but you are no match for the giant of a man with the most piercing, haunting icy blue eyes. A man who cuffs, blindfolds and stuffs you into the trunk and takes you to an undisclosed location where one moment the giant declares you belong to him now. The next moment he orders you to "run!"
Tatiana is no wallflower. She doesn't go quietly and never gives up. She's tenacious, she is a fighter and man oh man she fights every step of the way. She also doesn't fight like a girl either. It's unexpected and really fun to witness her own strength coming to life. Strength she never really knew she had until it let loose on instinct one day, surprising not just her but the kidnapper as well. I was inspired by the strength of her character. She has some pretty mad abilities. I think she's bad-arse. Does she feel she's bad-arse? You'll have to read the book to find out, to discover all the secrets. You'll enjoy it every step of the way.
I really love Tatiana's character. She's smart, funny and not afraid of a challenge. From the very beginning there has been humor woven into Tatiana's character by way of her inner banter with herself, about her unexpected feelings she has towards Kristoff. She self deprecates her traitorous feeling towards Kristoff and the titillating things he does to/with her. And her one-liners about her questionable sanity had me laughing out loud more times than I could count. It's one of my favorite things about this book. She's very likable and relatable too. She tries to make the best out of every situation.
Her days are long and boring except for the times chasing was involved. She wonders if those chases will resume again. She wears each and every illicit memory from those runs like a second skin. She soaks those moments up like a sex filled sponge and holds them close so she can relive them during her lonely times.
Sometimes your darkest dreams become reality in the true light of day. Parts of your past that can't be remembered, remain a mystery. That is until little bits and pieces of memories that don't make sense resurface. Those fragmented clues play a major role in reliving a past that's long been forgotten. Yet, these mysterious clues are absolutely crucial in defining your future and what that means and all that comes with it. The author kept me on my reader toes for sure. For me, sleuthing is something I love doing while trying to figure things out before I'm meant to find out. For me, it's another form of the "thrill of the chase", if you will.
Who is this man, Kristoff Zima who claims Tatiana is his? He has family ties to the biggest mystery of all: The Ghost Syndicate. A mysterious organization run by the ever elusive & invisible Mikhail Arakas. He’s at the very center, at its very core and make no mistake about it, he's not a man to be messed with. He makes for a great villain along with his psycho niece Jana who is also as lethal as they come. She's borderline psychotic, well passed the point of no return just like her uncle. All the villains want the key to the kingdom, the Balagula Bratva throne, previously held by Peter Fairest, but he's no longer in the picture. Both Mikhail as well as Jana want to take over the Balagula family throne. Each will say and do anything and I mean anything to complete the takeover of the throne that rightfully belongs to Tatiana. The plot thickens to a muddy sludge like consistency to those who want to reign supreme and don't want to wait. This could mean Tatiana has a giant sized target on her back.
There's a moment, this pivotal moment when one person makes certain decisions, consequences be damned. Those decisions and actions change the trajectory of two lives, and when that happens you know there is no going back regardless of how challenging it is and the dangers involved. You play the hand you dealt yourself. Even if it lands you right back into the grasp of the devil himself.
I promise you this... "The thrill of the chase" has a whole new meaning in the pages of The Hunter King.
Kristoff Zima, 35, is a force to be reckoned with. He's a very powerful man who knows what he wants. In his business everyone knows and fears him. He's a hunter on the prowl for his next prey. He has certain "needs" that only one woman can fill. Hunting this woman instead of following his instructions proves to have dangerous repercussions for both him and for his new prey. Turns out, she's a worthy opponent and he's surprised to witness her insatiable need to be hunted and takes full advantage of that. And it is hot. Scorching Hot. Could it be that he has finally met his perfect match in the 20 year old Bratva Printsessa?
When he fails to get "the job" done, life gets very complicated for him and the guest who now secretly resides with him. Their predicament tests them. Can she trust him to keep her safe? Can she be trusted not to escape? What happens when she runs? He runs right after her. Every single time…. That's all I'm saying. No free giveaways in this review. But I will say it's very exciting. I loved the runs, every harrowing one of them.
Kristoff seems to have cast a spell over Titania. He's able to bring all her obscene, dirty & dark desires to the surface. The devil in him takes what he wants while the sinner in her gives it right back. Discovering the secret of escaping left me smiling at that truth. What secret? Now what would be the fun in telling you that? You'll have to find out for yourself.
Kristoff was trained by the crazy power hungry Mikail. As I said before, this guy is out of his mind. He trained Kristoff to be an assassin for the organization. Kristoff was and still remains his #1 student. But when Kristoff had enough he left. He left the organization after an incident involving his sister Nikita. What was the incident with Nikita? It plays a huge role in this story but sorry, my lip spilling the goods/spoilers is a no go.
Feelings between Kristoff and Tatiana grow more intense with each passing day. As does the running, chasing and the danger that lurks around every corner. They can fight the good fight but can they win the war? Can love keep them together and safe from the powers that be? What would happen if the evil doers found out the truth about Tatiana's death? Will it all prove to be too much for them?
I really hated Jana. She is an out of control bloody lunatic. The cruel things she did without batting an eye made my blood boil and the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Mikhail as well as Jada are so evil it was chilling. I swear their pompous righteous attitudes and actions were so cold it froze my bone marrow.
When business calls and sends Kristoff out of town, lies are revealed by a very dangerous enemy close to home. Will Tatiana stay in hiding knowing the enemy knows where she is or will she run, this time for good? After a very disturbing phone conversation, a plan is set in motion. Feelings of betrayal make that decision for her. What will Kristoff do when he finds out she ran? He does what he does best. He hunts. Will he set the record straight and claim her once again if he finds her? Or will the lengthy amount of time they have spent apart be their demise? Is it the final nail in the romance coffin for this unique and troubled couple or will it be the wake up call that they so desperately needed to bring them back to each other? I'm not saying but it's really exciting.
Just when all is quiet. BAM! Remember that rug that was pulled from under my feet that I mentioned in the beginning? The author does it again, landing me back on my rear with me shaking my head in disbelief. The author throws a monkey wrench into their romance once more. And it's good. Really good! It's one of the best monkey wrenches I've read. I'm still trying to make sense of it all long after I finished reading the book. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the Bratva shark infested waters things start to unravel quickly for Tatiana after a very disturbing phone call from a villain wielding threats and issuing an ultimatum. Will she fall in line and return to her home and claim the power left to her so she can be done with it all? What will happen when Kristoff returns?
When the viper rears their demented ugly head again and admissions and shocking confessions are made, this will cost them dearly. Lives could be lost. Love and trust are put to the extreme test. After the viper's smug tongue spills ugliness along with a confession. Sparks and flames of anger will fly. Can Tatiana and Kristoff dodge another bullet when truths are revealed? Who reigns victorious?
Heartbreaking and devastating reality sets in and that realization destroys lives. What happens next? . Dang it, I have no idea. My heart was beating so fast and my heartbeat was ringing in my ears so loudly I couldn't hear myself think or find a rational thought in my head. My jaw dropped and hit the floor and I was left dumbfounded. Now that's what an awesome cliffy is supposed to do.
For me one of the best things about this book is the neverending intense suspense factor. You never know what's coming next. Truths become lies and lies become truth. It's mind bending in every way. There was seldom a time during my reading adventure where I was able to feel calm or peace. I was always being knocked off my feet. Just when I thought I'd caught my breath from all the suspenseful action going on around me by way of words on the pages, the author turns me upside down once more by pulling the rug right out from underneath me. Hmph!!!
I swear, as the book god is my witness, the author was constantly sending me spiraling out of control and tumbling right out of the story and right smack dab in the middle of the chaos that is my brain. Desperate with the feeling of losing my ability to breathe once more as the words continue to fall upon me in my fiction marathon of survival haze. IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT.
There is something truly special and so exciting about having been taken on a great ride when reading any book. That's what keeps you coming back and begging for more. In my humble opinion that's what any reader loves. It's the escape we crave. To feel like we are a part of it all.
We read the words the author writes, and magically your mind takes over and produces the images to go with those words. It's a collaboration of sorts. That's when new worlds come to life. In this case the super exciting suspense kept me engaged along with all the twists and turns among other things and I got lost in the story, forgetting the real world. The Hunter King did that. Author Jagger Cole made it all happen and I couldn't have been more pleased!!
It's all about the journey and book love. I fell in love with every part of this story including of course Tatiana and Kristoff as well as all the additional characters including the villains. What great villains they are. I loved hating them. Normally, I dislike cliffhangers. (Believe me this cliffy was jaw dropping.) But in this case I'll make an exception. Why? Because I'm just not ready to say goodbye and well, I'm a dark romance book adrenaline junkie and just need another fix. It helps knowing book 2, The Hunted Queen is already available and sitting pretty on my ereader waiting patiently for me to turn the very first page.
I'll be wasting no time at all hopping right back into all the action, suspense and madness and continuing on my journey alongside Tatiana and Kristoff as they fight hard every step of the way for their happily ever after. I'm prepared though. I've got my running shoes ready and waiting for another run…
Kudos to Author Jagger Cole for delivering the 5-STAR dark romance goods in The Hunter King. It had everything I love in a super hot and sexy dark romantic suspense and so much more. The Hunted Duet is off to a great start. I highly recommend The Hunter King to all romance/romantic suspense lovers who crave something more than a cookie cutter love story. This sexy intense 5-Star stunner of a read was worth every bit of breath I lost along the way.
January 24, 2023
3 Stars - Just not a book for me. I already started the 2nd - I need to find out what happens in the end.
September 11, 2022
Kristoff is the hunter in THE HUNTER KING. Tatiana is to be his last target for the man that turned him into an assassin. It would be a short book if he had succeeded, but he kidnaps her instead setting motion a steamy and dark relationship between the two with a backdrop of who will obtain control of her family mafia.
As the story progresses it becomes clear that there is a lot we don’t know. Some has to do with Kristoff’s past which is visited periodically in the story. What is murkier is Tatiana’s past and what she doesn’t remember that can be used to manipulate her. It soon becomes evident trusting anyone is a risk.
There is so much going on in this book that I wonder how the connections between Kristoff and Misha (Oxford Academy series) and his college group of Kings & Villains will matter later. Jagger Cole doesn’t plant a seed without it coming to fruition at some point.
The cliffhanger ending creates so many more questions and a real urgency to get to THE HUNTED QUEEN - part two of this duet - right away.
Meanwhile, I received an advance copy of this book from the author. I read it and am providing my voluntary review.
As the story progresses it becomes clear that there is a lot we don’t know. Some has to do with Kristoff’s past which is visited periodically in the story. What is murkier is Tatiana’s past and what she doesn’t remember that can be used to manipulate her. It soon becomes evident trusting anyone is a risk.
There is so much going on in this book that I wonder how the connections between Kristoff and Misha (Oxford Academy series) and his college group of Kings & Villains will matter later. Jagger Cole doesn’t plant a seed without it coming to fruition at some point.
The cliffhanger ending creates so many more questions and a real urgency to get to THE HUNTED QUEEN - part two of this duet - right away.
Meanwhile, I received an advance copy of this book from the author. I read it and am providing my voluntary review.
September 25, 2025
I dont understand how this book needed to be a duet? Alot of it was wasted time and could've been one whole book.
I cant understand how this was highly rated as well. I got so bored at times and wanted to DNF it but I just kept going because i was already at 80%
The beginning was so fun and interesting then it was boring and pointless. They just kept going through the same motions:scream, chase, sex-Scream,chase,sex...no building of a bond or growth in the relationship!! just all physically. they literally dont talk to each other at all until way later. we only hear there thoughts which does nothing to build tension and chemistry between them. It was completely pointless and nothing was happening so I was trying to find out where is the plot and questioning where is this going? what is the hero's ultimate goal with her and other than nikita bc that was weak and it seemed he never got it. And the heroine?? yeah if she didnt want to be what she was born into, she still needs some sort of goal or plan which she never really had.
I was reading characters who didnt really have purpose or direction. It only seemed the villains were the ones with actual plot or at least contributing to it. lol I doubt Kristoff even cares finding out about his sister because he only did jack shit to find out. just kept telling them to give it instead of trying himself to find out or uses sources you would think he has for this 'official' position in Misha's mafia or whatever. Kristoff came out as one dimentional and weak. He was only strong and thats it.
When they finally meet up after the time skip, I got interested again, hoping we will get a showdown or the truth about Nikita and her father will be revealed. but then it got annoying because the villains of course lie or tell the truth..whatever it is at this point because i'm so done at this point. The villains just play back and forth with their minds. They had more character and stuff happening than the main couple. How weak their relationship actually is to believe the villans rather than talk to each other.
So much of the story was wasted when it couldve been used instead of making it a duet. or at least make them connect while they had their boring chase kink happening for like practically the whole book.
I'm not going to read the next book. Its so boring and theirs absolutely no connection at all between them. I feel like sometimes this authors think physical sex is building chemistry or connection when it isnt! Its the lead into it! or even their dialougues or actions that create the fire that causes the explosion you feel when they are physical. I fail to see how he fell in love with her when he felt nothing other than getting turned on by her fight which any woman would've done for the most part if they were being attacked. That is his kink that turned him on. Not her! nothing to do with her so It not a believable relationship. This is why there was no angst at all in this book. no nothing.
***Its important to build connections in couples as they attribute to their chemistry and tension. Makes the couples feel alive to readers.
anyways im skipping the 2nd book for now and going to Olivers. I honestly want to be dont with this series. The first book:Aiden's was the only good one!! and it was 1 book. the others had an enormous amount of potential that sadly was never ever met. They had ridiculous storylines that felt out of character for me and plots that just didnt work for me.
Happy for those who were able to enjoy it. I'm not into inconsistencies and weak plot points. I need direction in the story and in the characters.
I cant understand how this was highly rated as well. I got so bored at times and wanted to DNF it but I just kept going because i was already at 80%
The beginning was so fun and interesting then it was boring and pointless. They just kept going through the same motions:scream, chase, sex-Scream,chase,sex...no building of a bond or growth in the relationship!! just all physically. they literally dont talk to each other at all until way later. we only hear there thoughts which does nothing to build tension and chemistry between them. It was completely pointless and nothing was happening so I was trying to find out where is the plot and questioning where is this going? what is the hero's ultimate goal with her and other than nikita bc that was weak and it seemed he never got it. And the heroine?? yeah if she didnt want to be what she was born into, she still needs some sort of goal or plan which she never really had.
I was reading characters who didnt really have purpose or direction. It only seemed the villains were the ones with actual plot or at least contributing to it. lol I doubt Kristoff even cares finding out about his sister because he only did jack shit to find out. just kept telling them to give it instead of trying himself to find out or uses sources you would think he has for this 'official' position in Misha's mafia or whatever. Kristoff came out as one dimentional and weak. He was only strong and thats it.
When they finally meet up after the time skip, I got interested again, hoping we will get a showdown or the truth about Nikita and her father will be revealed. but then it got annoying because the villains of course lie or tell the truth..whatever it is at this point because i'm so done at this point. The villains just play back and forth with their minds. They had more character and stuff happening than the main couple. How weak their relationship actually is to believe the villans rather than talk to each other.
So much of the story was wasted when it couldve been used instead of making it a duet. or at least make them connect while they had their boring chase kink happening for like practically the whole book.
I'm not going to read the next book. Its so boring and theirs absolutely no connection at all between them. I feel like sometimes this authors think physical sex is building chemistry or connection when it isnt! Its the lead into it! or even their dialougues or actions that create the fire that causes the explosion you feel when they are physical. I fail to see how he fell in love with her when he felt nothing other than getting turned on by her fight which any woman would've done for the most part if they were being attacked. That is his kink that turned him on. Not her! nothing to do with her so It not a believable relationship. This is why there was no angst at all in this book. no nothing.
***Its important to build connections in couples as they attribute to their chemistry and tension. Makes the couples feel alive to readers.
anyways im skipping the 2nd book for now and going to Olivers. I honestly want to be dont with this series. The first book:Aiden's was the only good one!! and it was 1 book. the others had an enormous amount of potential that sadly was never ever met. They had ridiculous storylines that felt out of character for me and plots that just didnt work for me.
Happy for those who were able to enjoy it. I'm not into inconsistencies and weak plot points. I need direction in the story and in the characters.
September 12, 2022
4.25 stars--THE HUNTER KING is the first instalment in Jagger Cole’s contemporary, adult THE HUNTED dark, erotic, Bratva, romance duet focusing on twenty year old Bratva princess and heir Tatiana Fairist aka Harriet, and thirty -five year old, Bratva assassin Kristoff Zima. The Hunted Duet is set in the same worlds as the Savage Heirs / Bratva’s Claim.
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Tatiana and Kristoff) using present day and memories from the past THE HUNTER KING focuses on the abduction of heroine, and the building but forbidden relationship between twenty year old Bratva princess and heir Tatiana and Kristoff Zima. One month earlier, , Tatiana lost her father to a supposed car accident but our heroine is missing several months to years of memories, and in this Tatiana struggles to uncover the truth. As the heir to her father’s Bratva empire, Tatiana has been targeted, and finds herself the prisoner of Bratva assassin Kristoff Zima but all is not well in Kristoff’s world as betrayal and power threaten to usurp everyone at the top. What ensues is the building relationship between Kristoff and Tatiana, and the potential fall-out when secrets and lies reveal a different past that neither Kristoff nor Tatiana are able to remember.
Tatiana Fairist grew up the only child of Peter Fairist, the head of the Balagula Bratva, and with her father’s death, Tatiana is about to face the wrath of the ‘high council’ in the face of inheriting her father’s money and control but someone else is waiting to assume the chair of the Balagula Bratva, and our heroine finds herself at the mercy of a killer who is quickly falling for his wounded prey. Kristoff Zima wants out but he has to do one more job before obtaining the final piece of information to locate someone he has lost but something about Tatiana stirs at Kristoff’s heart, and our hero finds himself falling for a woman who own life is spiralling out of control.
Their relationship between Tatiana and Kristoff begins acrimoniously as predator and prey. Tatiana is no stranger to looking after herself but she has no recollection of how or why she is able to fend off those trying to take her down. Keeping Tatiana safe means claiming Tatiana as his own but there is more than one predator taking aim at our story. Line heroine, and in this Tatiana must decide who is telling the truth, and who is telling the lie. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and aggressive, and not without some issues of questionable consent.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including Tatiana’s former step-mother Jana; Kirstoff’s ‘boss’ Boris Tsavakov; head of the Ghost Syndicate Mikhail Arakas; Kristoff’s friend and fellow assassin Marko. There is a slight cross over with some of the characters from The Bratva’s Claim series.
THE HUNTER KING is a story of power, control and obsession, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, obsession and delusion, fear and hate. The premise is dramatic, dark, gritty and twisted covering approximately two years in the life of our couple; the characters are broken, tragic, powerful and edgy; the romance is provocative and intense. THE HUNTER KING ends on cliff hanger-you have been warned.
www.thereadingcafe.com
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Tatiana and Kristoff) using present day and memories from the past THE HUNTER KING focuses on the abduction of heroine, and the building but forbidden relationship between twenty year old Bratva princess and heir Tatiana and Kristoff Zima. One month earlier, , Tatiana lost her father to a supposed car accident but our heroine is missing several months to years of memories, and in this Tatiana struggles to uncover the truth. As the heir to her father’s Bratva empire, Tatiana has been targeted, and finds herself the prisoner of Bratva assassin Kristoff Zima but all is not well in Kristoff’s world as betrayal and power threaten to usurp everyone at the top. What ensues is the building relationship between Kristoff and Tatiana, and the potential fall-out when secrets and lies reveal a different past that neither Kristoff nor Tatiana are able to remember.
Tatiana Fairist grew up the only child of Peter Fairist, the head of the Balagula Bratva, and with her father’s death, Tatiana is about to face the wrath of the ‘high council’ in the face of inheriting her father’s money and control but someone else is waiting to assume the chair of the Balagula Bratva, and our heroine finds herself at the mercy of a killer who is quickly falling for his wounded prey. Kristoff Zima wants out but he has to do one more job before obtaining the final piece of information to locate someone he has lost but something about Tatiana stirs at Kristoff’s heart, and our hero finds himself falling for a woman who own life is spiralling out of control.
Their relationship between Tatiana and Kristoff begins acrimoniously as predator and prey. Tatiana is no stranger to looking after herself but she has no recollection of how or why she is able to fend off those trying to take her down. Keeping Tatiana safe means claiming Tatiana as his own but there is more than one predator taking aim at our story. Line heroine, and in this Tatiana must decide who is telling the truth, and who is telling the lie. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and aggressive, and not without some issues of questionable consent.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including Tatiana’s former step-mother Jana; Kirstoff’s ‘boss’ Boris Tsavakov; head of the Ghost Syndicate Mikhail Arakas; Kristoff’s friend and fellow assassin Marko. There is a slight cross over with some of the characters from The Bratva’s Claim series.
THE HUNTER KING is a story of power, control and obsession, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, obsession and delusion, fear and hate. The premise is dramatic, dark, gritty and twisted covering approximately two years in the life of our couple; the characters are broken, tragic, powerful and edgy; the romance is provocative and intense. THE HUNTER KING ends on cliff hanger-you have been warned.
www.thereadingcafe.com
September 16, 2022
The Hunter King by Jagger Cole is book 1 of The Hunted Duet and focuses on Tatiana Fairist and Kristoff Zima's intoxicating relationship. An erotic, fast-paced, age-gap romance with a dark hypnotic charm.
Tatiana, a bratva princess, has returned home after losing her father in a car accident and is now expected to claim her throne. On her 20th birthday she is abducted by Kristoff, a fearsome and irascible man on a mission. Trained as a shadow assassin, he is known as the Bukavac (a mythical demon king). Kristoff is determined to find the location of his sister's final resting place but standing in his way is the fiery Tatiana who is full of sensual curiosity. Their magnetic attraction is undeniable...
"Those dark seeds and twisted needs have always been in you, printsessa. As they've always been in me. I just watered them, as you watered mine." - Kristoff
"I'm her poisonous cure. She's my venomous antidote." - Kristoff
As always Jagger Cole effortlessly brings his characters to life. Through his amazing story-telling I found myself there in the midst of all the drama. I wanted SO badly to glimpse ahead at future chapters because I was eager to see how things developed between Tatiana and Kristoff especially with the many twists they endured. The outside conflict and manipulation these two are suffering isn't superficial and hollow; I appreciate the depth of their struggles. You can tell JC but a lot of thought behind this duet and look forward to the continuation of their journey in The Hunted Queen
This is one of my favorite couples of 2022 and I believe you will LOVE them too!! Highly recommended!!
TW's provided inside the book include a chase kink, CNC, and breath-play, as well as graphic depictions of past trauma.
I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the author's ARC team; I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Tatiana, a bratva princess, has returned home after losing her father in a car accident and is now expected to claim her throne. On her 20th birthday she is abducted by Kristoff, a fearsome and irascible man on a mission. Trained as a shadow assassin, he is known as the Bukavac (a mythical demon king). Kristoff is determined to find the location of his sister's final resting place but standing in his way is the fiery Tatiana who is full of sensual curiosity. Their magnetic attraction is undeniable...
"Those dark seeds and twisted needs have always been in you, printsessa. As they've always been in me. I just watered them, as you watered mine." - Kristoff
"I'm her poisonous cure. She's my venomous antidote." - Kristoff
As always Jagger Cole effortlessly brings his characters to life. Through his amazing story-telling I found myself there in the midst of all the drama. I wanted SO badly to glimpse ahead at future chapters because I was eager to see how things developed between Tatiana and Kristoff especially with the many twists they endured. The outside conflict and manipulation these two are suffering isn't superficial and hollow; I appreciate the depth of their struggles. You can tell JC but a lot of thought behind this duet and look forward to the continuation of their journey in The Hunted Queen
This is one of my favorite couples of 2022 and I believe you will LOVE them too!! Highly recommended!!
TW's provided inside the book include a chase kink, CNC, and breath-play, as well as graphic depictions of past trauma.
I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the author's ARC team; I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
September 15, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "THE HUNTER KING" OMG!!!!, What a mindbliwing Dark Twisted story so full of mystery, suspense, intrigue, secrets lies, murder, kidnapping, hot steamy dark twisted erotic scenes, action, danger, manipulation, deceit, twists & turns you never saw coming.
Kristoff was once par of the Ghost Syndicate military trained killers, Manipulation, Seduction, among other things run by Mikhail Arakas a psychotic evil master who played mind games, controlled them with deception, secrets, lies, they were pawns to do his bidding.
Tatiana Fairist came home from College softer the her father Peter died in a car crash supposedly her stepmother Jana was away on a shopping spree in Paris when her home comes under attack, Tatiana trys to run but is caught by Kristoff there to kill her but stops when he sees her wearing something that reminded him of his past.
Kristoff takes her blindfolded & bound first by car, plane then boat to his private island Tatiana looks at the hauntingly gorgeous man with scars, darkness, he doesn't want her blood he wants her to run in the dark woods, she sees his dark desire to chase her, he awakens something dark inside her something she didn't know was there, she finds it thrilling, exciting even freeing.
I definitely recommend to get this riviting, dangerous journey Kristoff & Tatiana take you on so many different parts to this story different characters the roles they play you can't put this book down.
Will Kristoff be able to keep Tatiana safe from her enemies who want her dead want the Balagula Empire & she's the only HEIR I'm so looking forward to the next book in this Dark twisted duet
"THE HUNTED QUEEN" need to know what's going to happen after that shocking cliffhanger.
PHENOMINAL MINDBLOWING DARK TWISTED ROMANCE 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤
Kristoff was once par of the Ghost Syndicate military trained killers, Manipulation, Seduction, among other things run by Mikhail Arakas a psychotic evil master who played mind games, controlled them with deception, secrets, lies, they were pawns to do his bidding.
Tatiana Fairist came home from College softer the her father Peter died in a car crash supposedly her stepmother Jana was away on a shopping spree in Paris when her home comes under attack, Tatiana trys to run but is caught by Kristoff there to kill her but stops when he sees her wearing something that reminded him of his past.
Kristoff takes her blindfolded & bound first by car, plane then boat to his private island Tatiana looks at the hauntingly gorgeous man with scars, darkness, he doesn't want her blood he wants her to run in the dark woods, she sees his dark desire to chase her, he awakens something dark inside her something she didn't know was there, she finds it thrilling, exciting even freeing.
I definitely recommend to get this riviting, dangerous journey Kristoff & Tatiana take you on so many different parts to this story different characters the roles they play you can't put this book down.
Will Kristoff be able to keep Tatiana safe from her enemies who want her dead want the Balagula Empire & she's the only HEIR I'm so looking forward to the next book in this Dark twisted duet
"THE HUNTED QUEEN" need to know what's going to happen after that shocking cliffhanger.
PHENOMINAL MINDBLOWING DARK TWISTED ROMANCE 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤
January 2, 2026
What a twist! But not to be a cliffhanger and a cliffhanger at the same time!
We met Kristoff in Dark Kingdom and now it's his turn to find his forever. At thirty-three, he's sent on a mission to take out the daughter of a prominent bratva leader, only he can't so he fakes Tatiana's death and keeps her hidden. Tatiana doesn't want the Bratva life or to be Pakhan after her father's death so is fine with this arrangement, especially after she falls for Kristoff. But it seems not everything is what it seems. Old rivals dig up secrets that may be better left buried and lies keep circulating and haunting both of them so neither knows what the truth is.
This is book one of a duet and leaves off with many questions.
If you have been reading the Kings and Villains series in order, a bit that seems like a cliffhanger isn't really a cliffhanger. If you haven't and have only read part one of the Hunted Duet, you're in for a surprise!
The twist this book has thrown at us so far! I was surprised this book didn't come before the Cinder Duet but then I could see how that would ruin some of the surprises that we've learned here so far. Though this book takes place before the first Cinder Duet book, I wonder how long after that duet concludes will the next book take place. It will be interesting to learn what Tatiana/Harriet will do with what she knows and if that will come back in any way, or if she has found a way to completely stay out of the Bratva world, or so she would think. I do wonder if she knows of the connection between Elle's Noel and Kristoff, or if that came as a surprise to her with the photograph, if she saw it at all. I can't wait to see what this next book has in store for us!
We met Kristoff in Dark Kingdom and now it's his turn to find his forever. At thirty-three, he's sent on a mission to take out the daughter of a prominent bratva leader, only he can't so he fakes Tatiana's death and keeps her hidden. Tatiana doesn't want the Bratva life or to be Pakhan after her father's death so is fine with this arrangement, especially after she falls for Kristoff. But it seems not everything is what it seems. Old rivals dig up secrets that may be better left buried and lies keep circulating and haunting both of them so neither knows what the truth is.
This is book one of a duet and leaves off with many questions.
If you have been reading the Kings and Villains series in order, a bit that seems like a cliffhanger isn't really a cliffhanger. If you haven't and have only read part one of the Hunted Duet, you're in for a surprise!
The twist this book has thrown at us so far! I was surprised this book didn't come before the Cinder Duet but then I could see how that would ruin some of the surprises that we've learned here so far. Though this book takes place before the first Cinder Duet book, I wonder how long after that duet concludes will the next book take place. It will be interesting to learn what Tatiana/Harriet will do with what she knows and if that will come back in any way, or if she has found a way to completely stay out of the Bratva world, or so she would think. I do wonder if she knows of the connection between Elle's Noel and Kristoff, or if that came as a surprise to her with the photograph, if she saw it at all. I can't wait to see what this next book has in store for us!
September 14, 2022
4.5★/5
4🌶/5
⭑Arc Review⭑
From the moment Kristoff saw Tatiana, there was no chance he could carry on with the task. Instead of completing the assignment and killing her, he decided to kidnap and keep her, not for ransom, not for leverage or a way to take over her late father's empire, but just for her. On a secluded island the hunt begins. Run through the woods, chase fantasies and dark desires, filled with depravity, savagery, lust. Rough and raw, passionate mix of pain and pleasure, to satiate all deep hidden needs and cravings. All the time spent together to get to know each other, and yet, there is so much unknown, secrets and mystery around them. And when some of them come out to the light, trust fails. Prey run away, but Hunter never give up his hunt.
The Hunter King, 1st book in The Hunted Duet, is a Bratva mafia romance, interconnected to the world of other Jaggers Cole’s series: Bratva’s Claim, Savage Heirs, Kings & Villains (I love the crossover with other series and getting the expanded timeline). Dark, intriguing and engrossing read from the start full of drama, mysteries, secrets, manipulations. The steam and spice in this book is off the chart, intensification of run and chase only fuel up their depraved needs and desires. There’s so many unanswered questions, twists and turns, that I simply couldn’t put the book down. And the ending… That cliffhanger directs me straight to 2nd book - The Hunted Queen, to continue with Kristoff and Tatiana’s incredible story.
4🌶/5
⭑Arc Review⭑
From the moment Kristoff saw Tatiana, there was no chance he could carry on with the task. Instead of completing the assignment and killing her, he decided to kidnap and keep her, not for ransom, not for leverage or a way to take over her late father's empire, but just for her. On a secluded island the hunt begins. Run through the woods, chase fantasies and dark desires, filled with depravity, savagery, lust. Rough and raw, passionate mix of pain and pleasure, to satiate all deep hidden needs and cravings. All the time spent together to get to know each other, and yet, there is so much unknown, secrets and mystery around them. And when some of them come out to the light, trust fails. Prey run away, but Hunter never give up his hunt.
The Hunter King, 1st book in The Hunted Duet, is a Bratva mafia romance, interconnected to the world of other Jaggers Cole’s series: Bratva’s Claim, Savage Heirs, Kings & Villains (I love the crossover with other series and getting the expanded timeline). Dark, intriguing and engrossing read from the start full of drama, mysteries, secrets, manipulations. The steam and spice in this book is off the chart, intensification of run and chase only fuel up their depraved needs and desires. There’s so many unanswered questions, twists and turns, that I simply couldn’t put the book down. And the ending… That cliffhanger directs me straight to 2nd book - The Hunted Queen, to continue with Kristoff and Tatiana’s incredible story.
September 27, 2022
Jagger is one genius mastermind! I was lucky enough to get advanced copies of both books of this duet to read for my honest review, and boy was I happy I did not have to wait for two separate releases! He created this new world in his story in the Darkly Ever After anthology and the Cinder duet, yet still connects it to his other Bratva series, and I am loving it!
Kristoff has made appearances in the Bratva Academy series and the Cinder duet and has always been fascinating, and his story does not disappoint!
Now to the main event Kristoff and Tatiana. The book kicks off with Kristoff kidnapping Tatiana, a Bratva princess, taking her to his secluded island, and that is where the chase begins. As time goes on in their secluded little world, they both unlock and accept each other’s darkness that lives within and form this incredible and unbreakable bond. Only problem is, the real world and problems are still out there. As they spend more time together exploring their predator and prey fantasies (SO HOT), suspicions arise, their past catches up to them and the manipulation from others causes many issues leading you to not know who and what to believe. Between all of the twists and turns they encounter, the chase never stops and in Kristoff’s words, “Catching her isn’t a probability. It’s an inevitability.” Their pull to each other is unstoppable and the chemistry is off the charts!! This book ends with an exciting and wild cliffhanger making you dive right into the second book, The Hunted Queen! Highly recommend this duet!!!
Kristoff has made appearances in the Bratva Academy series and the Cinder duet and has always been fascinating, and his story does not disappoint!
Now to the main event Kristoff and Tatiana. The book kicks off with Kristoff kidnapping Tatiana, a Bratva princess, taking her to his secluded island, and that is where the chase begins. As time goes on in their secluded little world, they both unlock and accept each other’s darkness that lives within and form this incredible and unbreakable bond. Only problem is, the real world and problems are still out there. As they spend more time together exploring their predator and prey fantasies (SO HOT), suspicions arise, their past catches up to them and the manipulation from others causes many issues leading you to not know who and what to believe. Between all of the twists and turns they encounter, the chase never stops and in Kristoff’s words, “Catching her isn’t a probability. It’s an inevitability.” Their pull to each other is unstoppable and the chemistry is off the charts!! This book ends with an exciting and wild cliffhanger making you dive right into the second book, The Hunted Queen! Highly recommend this duet!!!
September 23, 2022
Oh my, I don’t even know where to begin with this review. This duet was nothing short of spectacular. This world that Jagger has created is dark, lethal and absolutely addicting. The Russian Bratva is the baseline of his most current stories. Even though these stories could be read as standalones, you will have greater fulfillment reading them in the recommended sequential order. The relationships between the characters in all of the books tie together so well. I love this world!
The particular characters in this duet are strong, determined and confident. In the Hunter King, Kristof, a Russian assassin is hired to take the life of a young Russian Bratva Princess in order to gain information of a very personal nature, where his younger sister’s final resting place lies. Unfortunately, when he goes to complete this assignment, he can’t go through with it and kidnaps her instead, clearly putting a kink into the plan.
Things get complicated as the plot thickens. Harriet and Kristof both, have had tragic loss in their lives and refuse to let anyone tear down their walls that they built so securely around their hearts. Fate, however has other plans. Will they tear each other’s walls down or will they never be able to forgive each other for the past mistakes they’ve made. The cliffhanger was intense. You can’t help but jump in to the next book immediately! The steaminess is 🔥🔥🔥 Don’t miss this one!
The particular characters in this duet are strong, determined and confident. In the Hunter King, Kristof, a Russian assassin is hired to take the life of a young Russian Bratva Princess in order to gain information of a very personal nature, where his younger sister’s final resting place lies. Unfortunately, when he goes to complete this assignment, he can’t go through with it and kidnaps her instead, clearly putting a kink into the plan.
Things get complicated as the plot thickens. Harriet and Kristof both, have had tragic loss in their lives and refuse to let anyone tear down their walls that they built so securely around their hearts. Fate, however has other plans. Will they tear each other’s walls down or will they never be able to forgive each other for the past mistakes they’ve made. The cliffhanger was intense. You can’t help but jump in to the next book immediately! The steaminess is 🔥🔥🔥 Don’t miss this one!
September 13, 2022
OUTSTANDING INTENSE STORY! Jagger Cole, job well done! I just finished reading “The Hunter King” and my feelings are hard to describe. I am in shock. Every time I thought I understood what happened I had new facts slap me in the face. Not much is as it seems. Everyone is a pawn in a maniacal game of deception and murder going back several years. It seems that an evil puppet master controls all. He’s always one step ahead of everyone else.
I LOVE Kristoff! Though he’s “the best” assassin and a stagiest working within several Bratva families he has a heart and that heart now belongs to his latest target, Tatiana. A monster hides behind Kristoff’s beautiful form. He feeds that monster while chasing this delicate young woman and when he catches her he takes from her beautiful body…BUT… Tatiana feeds off running through the woods trying to evade her capture. She comes alive and longs to be caught by her beautiful monster. She grows to love their HOT passion. Sadly, many people still want Tatiana dead and they will do or say anything to ruin what she and Kristoff have. The last 10% of the story will leave you shaken and surprised. On to “The Hunted Queen” to get my questions answered. This is a totally awesome story! I received a free advanced copy of this story from Bookfunnel and I am happy to share my honest review. Linda
I LOVE Kristoff! Though he’s “the best” assassin and a stagiest working within several Bratva families he has a heart and that heart now belongs to his latest target, Tatiana. A monster hides behind Kristoff’s beautiful form. He feeds that monster while chasing this delicate young woman and when he catches her he takes from her beautiful body…BUT… Tatiana feeds off running through the woods trying to evade her capture. She comes alive and longs to be caught by her beautiful monster. She grows to love their HOT passion. Sadly, many people still want Tatiana dead and they will do or say anything to ruin what she and Kristoff have. The last 10% of the story will leave you shaken and surprised. On to “The Hunted Queen” to get my questions answered. This is a totally awesome story! I received a free advanced copy of this story from Bookfunnel and I am happy to share my honest review. Linda
May 12, 2025
The hunter king slowly but surely turned my initial intrigue into genuine interest. It’s best to go into the book blind because the plot runs the impression that this book is simply a captor chasing and molding their prey when it became so much more.
Tatianna has a spark that doesn’t dull even when she’s in the most unlikely situation — captured with an unknown way out. Her captor, Kristoff is more than meets the eye and rather than following instruction to kill her, he makes her his.
As I read the book, I looked forward to the chase and the steam that followed it (i’m a simple woman) but i stayed for the story behind the characters.
We know that Tatianna is a Harvard student and Bratva princess but somehow she can inherently shoot a bullseye (without much experience according to her) and has these fighting/survival skills that she can’t recall where she learned them. That is when the book started to get even more interesting for me and became something more than a chase.
And the twist at the end of the book?? I predicted something similar but the actual twist? gold.
I just wish that Tatianna (I’ll keep calling her that because the other name is a crime) wouldn’t fall for the lies around her so easily and suspect that the twists might be a lie as well. Can’t wait to tune into the second book and find out.
Tatianna has a spark that doesn’t dull even when she’s in the most unlikely situation — captured with an unknown way out. Her captor, Kristoff is more than meets the eye and rather than following instruction to kill her, he makes her his.
As I read the book, I looked forward to the chase and the steam that followed it (i’m a simple woman) but i stayed for the story behind the characters.
We know that Tatianna is a Harvard student and Bratva princess but somehow she can inherently shoot a bullseye (without much experience according to her) and has these fighting/survival skills that she can’t recall where she learned them. That is when the book started to get even more interesting for me and became something more than a chase.
And the twist at the end of the book?? I predicted something similar but the actual twist? gold.
I just wish that Tatianna (I’ll keep calling her that because the other name is a crime) wouldn’t fall for the lies around her so easily and suspect that the twists might be a lie as well. Can’t wait to tune into the second book and find out.
September 10, 2022
I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review.
My head is spinning from this book. So many twists and turns after another, literally can't figure out the truth from the lies.
And the adrenaline rush? I feel like I've run every step Tatiana did during this novel, that's how well written it is. Every intense scene had me holding my breath and I'm quite exhausted from the whole package. But that won't stop me from diving into the next book to go through it all over again!
I'm not only hooked by the spice, but also the storyline we've gotten from all of the characters. I still don't know what is truth and what is strategically placed lies for people to get what they want, and I haven't been this confused in a book in a long time. It's very refreshing and it's keeping me on my toes!
I'm very excited to see what really happened in the past and I can't wait to see what the future holds for Tatiana and Kristoff, because I just know it's not going to be an easy road to get there. Also? I'm waiting to see Tatiana really let loose and give people the justice they deserve. Fingers crossed that it happens in book 2!
If you've been hiding under a rock, I'm telling you now, pick up a Jagger Cole book - you won't regret it!
My head is spinning from this book. So many twists and turns after another, literally can't figure out the truth from the lies.
And the adrenaline rush? I feel like I've run every step Tatiana did during this novel, that's how well written it is. Every intense scene had me holding my breath and I'm quite exhausted from the whole package. But that won't stop me from diving into the next book to go through it all over again!
I'm not only hooked by the spice, but also the storyline we've gotten from all of the characters. I still don't know what is truth and what is strategically placed lies for people to get what they want, and I haven't been this confused in a book in a long time. It's very refreshing and it's keeping me on my toes!
I'm very excited to see what really happened in the past and I can't wait to see what the future holds for Tatiana and Kristoff, because I just know it's not going to be an easy road to get there. Also? I'm waiting to see Tatiana really let loose and give people the justice they deserve. Fingers crossed that it happens in book 2!
If you've been hiding under a rock, I'm telling you now, pick up a Jagger Cole book - you won't regret it!
September 12, 2022
What a story I think this is the best Jagger Cole book to date. In the first chapter Kristoff Zima sets out to kill Bravata boss’s daughter, the only living heir, Tatiana Fairist. One simple job and in return he would find out where is sister is buried, but things don’t quite go as planned. Once Kristoff he sees a necklace with a puzzle piece ring around her neck, he decides to just take her instead. The book runs from there, literally runs as they play a cat and mouse game every time Tatiana tries to escape, she runs, and Kris is the hunter. He encouraged her to run, and he runs after her every time and this adrenalin rush turns into quite the erotic seduction. This story literally has so many twists and turns you don’t know who to trust, who’s really telling the truth with all the lies and deception that is uncovered. You think you have it figured out and then the next twist is uncovered, and the plot goes off in a different direction!!! I love Kristoff and Tatiana and this deep dark romance where loyalties are challenged, secrets come to light, lies and deception are unveiled. A great suspense, action filled story in this next game of Kings and Villains. I have voluntarily read and review the amazing story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews